Wisconsin Loses Conservation Legend George E. Meyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wisconsin Loses Conservation Legend George E. Meyer
A Conservation Giant Who Shaped Wisconsin’s Natural-Resource Legacy

MADISON, Wis. — Dec 10, 2025 — The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of George E. Meyer, a towering figure in Wisconsin conservation, former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the Federation’s first Executive Director. Meyer, 78, passed away in Madison surrounded by family. His legacy spans more than five decades of groundbreaking conservation leadership, public service, citizen advocacy, and unwavering dedication to Wisconsin’s natural resources.

George joined the WDNR in 1972 launching a 30-year career that would influence nearly every facet of Wisconsin environmental policy. During his service as Staff Attorney, Enforcement Administrator, and ultimately WDNR Secretary (1993–2001), Meyer advanced many of the state’s most celebrated conservation achievements. He helped develop Wisconsin’s nationally recognized wetland-protection framework, played a decisive role in resolving major natural-resource conflicts such as treaty-rights disputes and the Crandon Mine proposal, and modernized environmental regulation during a transformative era for state and federal conservation law. As Secretary, he led nearly 3,000 employees and directed a $468 million agency budget while strengthening programs that remain central to Wisconsin’s conservation infrastructure today.

After retiring from state service, Meyer became the first Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, where he continued to elevate citizen conservation voices. He guided the organization through numerous wildlife and land-management challenges—including Chronic Wasting Disease, deer herd stewardship, Great Lakes water-resource protections, high-capacity well regulation, and public-lands advocacy. Meyer also championed conservation education, playing a critical role in revitalizing the MacKenzie Center and co-founding the Wisconsin Conservation Leadership Corps, a model now replicated in states nationwide.

In the last two years of his life, Meyer dedicated extensive expertise to the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s intervention in the Vista Solar Sands renewable-energy docket—helping secure a landmark settlement that balanced large-scale solar development with safeguards for public land and the state-threatened greater prairie chicken. His work established a national precedent for responsible renewable-energy siting.

In June 2025, the National Wildlife Federation honored Meyer with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him as “a force for nature in the Great Lakes and beyond.”

“George Meyer was one of the most influential conservation leaders in Wisconsin history,” said Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. “His courage, integrity, and deep commitment to science-driven policy shaped generations of conservationists. Wisconsin’s lands, waters, wildlife, and outdoor traditions are stronger because of his life’s work. George was not only a leader of extraordinary caliber — he was a mentor, a collaborator, and a true friend to the conservation community. His loss is immeasurable, but his legacy will continue to guide us for decades to come.”

George Meyer and Cody Kamrowski

We invite all who knew George or were touched by his work to honor him by fighting for the conservation values you believe in. Stand with your neighbors when natural resources are threatened. Give your time to causes bigger than yourself. Treat others with dignity, seek common ground, and defend Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage with the same courage, humility, and persistence that defined George’s life.

Media Contact:
Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
cody@wiwf.org
715-896-5445